Purdue Space Day FAQ

What is the date for Purdue Space Day (PSD) 2018?

Where is PSD held?

Purdue Space Day is held on the West Lafayette campus of Purdue University.

What time does PSD start?

Check-in is from 8:00 – 8:45 am in the atrium of the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. (ARMS on map) Click here for a campus map.

What time does PSD end?

The day will finish when all the groups have returned to their homerooms at approximately 4:00 pm. Check-out ends at 4:30 pm.

What time zone is Purdue on?

Eastern Standard Time (EST)

How do I sign up my child for PSD 2018?

Registration for PSD 2018 will be held online. It will open at 8:00 am on September 7, 2018. Registration will remain open until all spots have been filled. All spots were filled within an hour last year, so set a reminder and register early.

How much does PSD cost?

Purdue Space Day is FREE. This is made possible through donation and grants. If you’d like to know how you can help support Purdue Space Day, please email psd@purdue.edu

Can I just show up on the event day and register on site?

No. You have to register AND receive confirmation before the event day that you have a valid registration for Purdue Space Day. Additionally, liking the Facebook event does not serve as registration for your child.

How do I know that my child has a place at Purdue Space Day?

You will receive an email with confirmation within 24 hours of registering for Purdue Space Day. A second email will be sent out in October with more detailed information. If you have any questions, please email psd@purdue.edu

Can I just come for part of the day?

No. Any student who comes to PSD is expected to stay for the whole day. It is a day-long event with group activities where others will be depending on you to be there. Please do not register your child if you have other activities planned for the day.

What if I have to cancel for any reason?

What group will my child be in?

Your child’s group assignment name will be on your name badge that you collect when you check-in. Each group will have three or four Group Leaders who will be expecting you and are looking forward to meeting your child. Each child will be in a group of approximately 35 peers. Each group will have at least 4 Group Leaders assigned to it to ensure that every child has a great experience.

Children will be placed into groups based on their current enrolled grade at school. Grades 3-4 will be placed together, grades 5-6 will be placed together, and grades 7-8 will be placed together.

Therefore, if you have children in multiple age groups, they will be in separate groups on the day and will be taking part in different age-appropriate activities in separate parts of the campus. Please note during registration if you are part of a larger group that would like to be placed together or email us for smaller requests. Please note that all requests for group assignment must be made before October 8, 2018. After that date, information will be given to all volunteers and cannot be changed.

We do our best to honor any group requests that are made in advance; however, there may be times we cannot move groups. Rest assured that your child will have a great Purdue Space Day experience regardless. They will be placed with Group Leaders who are excited and ready for the day and meet lots of new friends.

Where can I park?

The Northwestern Avenue parking garage is the closest parking facility to Armstrong Hall.

What will I collect at check-in?

You will receive your child’s homeroom information and an agenda for the day. Other items will be distributed by the Group Leaders in the homerooms.

When will my child receive their bags, activity booklets, and nametags?

They will receive these items from their Group Leaders in the first homeroom period of the day.

What time and where is the astronaut presentation?

It is at 9:30 am in the Elliott Hall of Music (ELLT on map).

Can I get a t-shirt?

T-shirts will be sold in limited quantities at Mission Control throughout the day. They will be $12. Both cash and checks will be accepted. All proceeds help offset the costs of putting on this event each ear.

What is Mission Control?

There will be an information table, called Mission Control, located in the Armstrong atrium which will be staffed throughout the day. It will serve as a lost & found, meeting area, and information booth. Mission Control will have locations and details of where your child will be during the day.

How will I know where to go for each activity?

All groups will be escorted and will be taken to each activity by a PSD Group Leader; they are easily identifiable by their Purdue Space Day T-shirts. The booklet that you collect at registration explains more fully the different activities that you will be taking part in. There will be three activity sessions for each age level. Each activity will be 50 minutes in length.

Can parents and chaperones stay for the day?

Yes, parents are welcome to attend along with their students. Children only need to be chaperoned over the lunch period. Please see lunch details below.

What should I know about lunch?

Each child is required to have an adult chaperone for the lunch period. Lunch will be at the end of Activity Session 1 from 12:00 pm. - 1:00 pm.

Parents and guardians - Please return your students to their Group Leaders in their homerooms by 1:00 pm. in order to disperse to the second activity at 1:00 pm.

Where can we eat if we bring our own lunch?

You will be able to use any of the seating areas on all four floors in Armstrong Hall including Amelia's cafeteria in the lower level (cafeteria will not be open). You will also be able to eat outside if the weather is good. Many families bring a picnic lunch and have it ready for when their child finishes the morning session. Please feel free to explore Armstrong Hall. The hallways of the 3rd floor contain many astronaut photos. (Bringing a picnic lunch is the easiest option)

Where can we buy lunch?

Fast food restaurants are nearby. There are also several dining options in the Purdue Memorial Union (PMU on map). Local eateries can be very busy at lunch time with very long lines, so plan accordingly.

There are vending machines for cold drinks in the kitchenette in Armstrong Hall 3316 and snacks and cold drinks in Armstrong Hall 2116. Both rooms are close to the elevator in the middle of the building.

Will I be able to have a photo taken with the astronaut?

Photographers will be taking pictures and video throughout the day and will try to ensure that each group has a photo taken with the astronaut. Photos will be put onto our website after Purdue Space Day.

What about the weather?

Purdue Space Day will be held regardless of the weather. All the school students will be moving around the Purdue campus and some activities will be held outside. Watch the weather forecast and bring the appropriate outdoor gear!